It would be remiss of me not to rant to some degree on the topic of Vladimir Putin‘s decision to invade the sovereign state of Ukraine, apparently to save it from “de-militarisation.”

The events that have occurred since February 24, 2022 are so many that they can all be summed up in one simple question: What the hell does Putin think he is doing?

One of his initial excuses at the time of the invasion was his annoyance at what he called “continuing NATO agression” (not an exact quote), to which NATO shrugged its collective shoulders and said, “We haven’t done anything!” (again, not an exact quote).

That just about sums up the level of Putin’s lies to and deceit of his own population. His egomania has evolved to such a degree that no-one can question his authority even in the slightest without bringing a change of underwear.

As both of you know, I am a pacifist, against all weapons, and would much rather both sides were able to lay down their arms and Russia leave quietly and unceremoniously, leaving Ukraine to be a sovereign nation once again.

But, we know this can’t happen.

Therefore, what are the citizens of Ukraine supposed to do? Lie back and think of Ukraine while the Russian army simply rolls in and takes over once again? Of course not!

I have never seen an act of collective bravery in my lifetime as I have seen from Ukraine in recent days, starting with its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. This man, a former TV comedian, ought to be in line for a Nobel Peace Prize, if he isn’t already. His bravery and leadership should be an inspiration to every world leader on the planet.

And the many thousands of men and women over there who have sacrificed all they have; nay, even their very lives, to keep the nation free for those who are unable to fight for whatever reason. And, in doing what they are doing for their country, they are providing an example, once again, for the citizens of the world to follow and take to heart should – God forbid – the worst happen in their (our) own country.

If Joe Biden ever offered Boris Johnson a free back door exit out of the country and to safety, I fear I do not foresee him saying without hesitation I need ammunition not a ride. I do not see the people of the United Kingdom running to the aid of our military heroes in the same way that the Ukrainians have, for fear they might miss the eviction episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

I’m very proud to say I saw the people of Ukraine stand up against the deranged dictator Vladimir Putin. I admire them, and I only wish that I had the courage to do the same. I admire President Zelensky, and I despise Putin for this unprovoked attack, his reasons for doing it, and also his behaviour, like the spoilt bully in the school playground, once he discovered that his victims are fighting back far stronger than he ever expected them to. He is not getting his way, so he sends them – and the entire Western world – a chilling nuclear warning which he thinks is going to change anything. It does not. Even my pacifist eyes can see that if Putin were ever stupid enough to use a nuclear weapon, he would very likely consign Moscow and the rest of civilized Russia to be bombed out of existence; not to mention what would happen to the rest of the world.

So, people of Ukraine: don’t give up, defend your nation to the last man, as I am sure you will. You are very inspiring. I do not like war, I do not condone it. But you have shown great courage. It is not for me to say, don’t fight because I hate war, because I am not in your situation and I fully endorse your decision to defend your property with everything you have, for what that’s worth, and I hope that your Western friends and neighbours will answer any call for help in the near future should it be required. I also hope that Putin is forced back out of Ukraine with minimal bloodshed and that he is isolated from the rest of the world politically for what he has done – not to mention my fervent wish that someone has the courage to remove Putin from office and imprison him as soon as is convenient. x